Mary Wilyerd MFT Intern
As a Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Student at Arizona State University, Mary recognizes the impact that familial relationships can have on individual well-being. She believes that all individuals, couples, and families have it within them to overcome the various challenges in life and to find joy in their circumstances and in their relationships. She […]
Gina Jodat LPC Intern
Gina Jodat is a graduate student pursuing her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Trauma from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. She has over 22 years of working with first responders who are working through complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. She believes that the therapeutic relationship should be one of authenticity, and collaboration, and one that feels safe and supportive. She focuses on the client's strength and resiliency. She is interested in working with first responders, adults, families, and couples and strives to help individuals identify and harness their inner strengths. Gina gravitates towards an integrated approach rooted in Client-Centered Therapy, which respects the client as the expert in their own life, combined with Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on the interaction between events in one's life, and how beliefs about those events impact one's feelings and experiences. Gina enjoys spending time with her family. camping, and traveling. She loves how nature can refuel her body and soul.
Era’Shaunda Brown MFT Intern
Era’Shaunda Brown is currently attending Arizona State University pursuing her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She enjoys working with a mixture of different therapies but gravitates towards Emotion-Focused and Solution-Focused Therapies. She enjoys working with diverse clientele including families, couples, and adolescents, helping them to navigate through complex transitional periods that are experienced […]
Alicia Leguizamo, MAS, LAMFT *Spanish Speaking
Hi, I'm Alicia Leguizamo a Licensed Associate in Marriage and Family Therapy. I am based out of Arizona and was born and raised in Southern California. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families (fluent in both Spanish & English). I have a passion for helping marriages and supporting clients struggling with depression, anxiety, grief & loss, trauma, or simply assisting clients who want to rediscover balance in their lives. I help clients find their desire to explore and learn how to live with strong and challenging emotions and situations. I’m passionate about helping individuals, families, and marriages overcome the difficult experiences that have held them back from reaching their full potential in all facets of their lives. I am delighted to assist people in learning how to function and prosper within their family systems. Families whether they be our current family or our family of origin, have a significant influence on how we see and interact with the world. In my sessions, I use a variety of theories/models based on what may be most beneficial for that session including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-focused therapy, and others through the guidance of a professional supervisor. I have learned that to help clients heal and be successful in their relationships and lives; it takes patience and working together to persevere and achieve success and healing.
Gema Rivera, MFT Intern *Spanish Speaking
Gema is originally from South Lake Tahoe, CA, and has been in Arizona for 4 years. Gema is bilingual and currently pursuing her master's in marriage and family therapy from Touro University. She is passionate about working with families, Children, and teenagers that are going through tough times. Gema likes helping individuals through challenging times and helping them feel better. She loves seeing positive results from treatment and likes to take the time to build a relationship with the patients, so they feel comfortable communicating with her. Gema believes that communication and active listening are important for establishing positive relationships. Gema likes working with a diverse population and enjoys helping individuals navigate through problems.
Ashleigh Pulaski MFT intern
Ashleigh is currently pursuing a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy from Arizona State University. She holds an undergraduate degree in behavioral neuroscience from the University of Kansas. With a long history of work in the healthcare field, Ashleigh understands the importance of putting the client first. This, along with Ashleigh’s empathetic nature and passion […]
Bryanna Sawyer MFT Intern
Bryanna is a graduate student pursuing her Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy from Arizona State University. She is determined to help families, couples, and individuals with emotional, mental and behavioral challenges. Bryanna likes to take time to build rapport and establish plans with clients in order to best support their therapeutic goals. She believes that positive communication, environments and relationships help to influence a positive life. She likes working with diverse populations and helping people navigate challenging points in their life.
Jessica Wanke- LPC Intern
Jessica Wanke is a graduate student pursuing her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University. She is passionate about serving individuals, families, couples, adolescents, and groups who have mental, emotional, or behavioral challenges. She offers an encouraging and secure space for clients to establish goals and develop approaches to address emotional issues, fortify skills in coping mechanisms and communication, improve self-esteem, promote changes in behavior, and strive for improved mental health. Jessica believes it is important to not only listen to what is being said, but how it is said, why it is being said, and what it means in the context of each individualized client. Jessica gravitates towards a mixture of Cognitive Behavioral and Humanistic Approach Therapies. She is devoted towards implementing the foundational principles of counseling, while also providing clients with therapeutic counseling techniques. The stress of personal problems, issues with behavior, emotional, marital, vocational, rehabilitative, educational, or life-stage nature can be overwhelming. Jessica is ready to help you establish goals, and develop approaches to promote changed behavior and improve mental well-being.
Katie Firedancing, M.A., LPC
Katie Firedancing is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing inattachment and developmental trauma, couples therapy, and mooddisorders. For the past 6 years she has worked with individuals, couples andadolescents in a private practice setting. Katie has a passion for helpingpeople identify and heal core wounds. Katie is trained in both EMDR (EyeMovement and Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Emotion FocusedCouples Therapy. She received her Masters in Professional Counseling withan emphasis in Marital and Family Therapy from Grand Canyon University.Katie is passionate about couples, both married and pre-marital, equippingthem to have healthier relationships through facilitating healthyattachment and vulnerable connection. Katie employs the therapeuticframeworks of Attachment Theory, Emotion Focused Couples Therapy, aswell as the Gottman Method when working with couples. She believes thatmarriage is one of the most beautiful and transformational unions, howeveras a married woman herself understands the challenges that accompanyjoining ones life with another. Katie also enjoys working with individuals,helping each person to seek healing for their trauma through theframework of EMDR Therapy. When she is not counseling, Katie enjoysspending time with her husband and children
Tara Looney, M.A. LPC
Tara has been practicing counseling for six years. She specializes in CPTSD and personality disorders by using integrated trauma-informed modalities. She has experience with individuals transitioning through major life changes, mood disorders, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. After working with children and families in-home, she worked for the next five years with differently-abled individuals gaining what she believes are the most important tools in therapy; patience and acceptance. Tara is passionate about system issues impacting our culture, providing holistic care, and being genuine with her clients. She believes the relationship between a therapist and client is unique and works to make sure personalities match. Additionally, Tara's experience working with LGBTQIA+ clients allows her to maintain an open mind around diversity.
Hannah Myler M.A. LAMFT
Hannah has years of experience working in helping professions and is passionate about having the opportunity to walk with individuals and families through their darkest hours, times of uncertainty, change, crisis, and personal/relational development. She gravitates towards a mixture of Solution-Focused and Emotion-Focused Therapies. Her approach to therapy is validating and authentic with a pinch of humor. She is experienced in working with families, youth, and children through navigating anxiety, depression, familial discord, and unprecedented times. If she could instill anything in her clients, it would be confidence and trust in themselves to triumph over their conflict and live a life they love.
Nicole Deglane-Chavez, M.A. LAC *Spanish Speaking
Nicole is a therapist with international expertise and a passion for improving mental health. With a degree in Psychology from Peru and a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University, she's well-equipped with the latest therapeutic techniques.Nicole's diverse clinical experience includes working with anxiety, depression, and trauma using evidence-based approaches like CBT, solution-focused therapy, and EMDR. Her empathetic, client-centered approach ensures support for all ages. As a certified provider of the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), Nicole also specializes in helping parents raise confident, happy children and teenagers. *Nicole is also available for those seeking a Spanish-speaking therapist. Nicole es una terapeuta con experiencia internacional y una pasión por mejorar la salud mental. Licenciada en Psicología por Perú y con una Maestría en Consejería Clínica de Salud Mental por la Universidad del Gran Cañón, está bien equipada con las últimas técnicas terapéuticas. La diversa experiencia clínica de Nicole incluye el trabajo con la ansiedad, la depresión y el trauma utilizando enfoques basados en la evidencia como la TCC, la terapia centrada en soluciones y EMDR. Su enfoque empático y centrado en el cliente garantiza el apoyo a todas las edades. Como proveedora certificada del Programa de Crianza Positiva (Triple P), Nicole también se especializa en ayudar a los padres a criar niños y adolescentes seguros y felices y seguros.
Wanda Deglane M.A. LAMFT
Wanda is passionate about helping others navigate the rough storms that life sometimes throws our way. She is experienced in treating clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relational issues, and grief. More than anything, she wants to guide her clients to leading more peaceful, fulfilling lives, and instill a sense of hope that healing is possible.
Xinia Pansano B.A. Office Manager
Xinia Pansano is a seasoned Administrative Assistant with over 25 years in the field. She has extensive experience with all administrative tasks, including scheduling and bookkeeping. Xinia graduated from Veritas University in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.
Brittany McCutchan, Intake Coordinator
Brittany is a customer service professional that has worked in client services for 15 years. With a background in medical scheduling she focuses on the importance of each client's journey and handles the relationship with care and compassion. Brittany is based in Seattle and when not working enjoys spending time with her family and enjoying the great Pacific Northwest.
Shari Short M.A. LMFT Owner/Approved Supervisor
Shari Short LMFT is the founder of Aloha Counseling. LLC. She has been working in private practice since 2006 and specializes in Couples. Shari sees a small caseload and enjoys training other Therapists (she is an approved Supervisor in the state of Arizona) Shari opened her practice in Maui, Hawaii which is where the name "Aloha Counseling" comes from. She practices in Washington State and Arizona. Shari and her husband collectively have 6 adult children and 5 grandchildren.
Internships available
Aloha Counseling offers internships to enrolled Graduate Students who need to obtain Clinical and Supervision hours. These are offered for those seeking a Licensed Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapy Credential. Please reach out if you are looking for an internship site.
